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Double hearing protection is needed in work environments with noises that exceed 100 decibels on average over an eight-hour shift. Workers can wear ear plugs underneath their protective earmuffs to stay safe in these situations. They should also test the noise level regularly to find out if this equipment is necessary based on the exposure level. Occupational hearing loss remains a persistent problem in work zones across the U.S. Many machines and industrial processes create loud noises …

Industrial environments with high noise levels, like construction sites, can potentially damage workers’ hearing. Sound level meters that are used for acoustic measuring indicate noise levels in a workplace, and let workers know when it’s time to put on their PPE. According to OSHA, if noise level exceeds 85dB, they must put on personal hearing protection equipment to prevent hearing loss. There are three important factors that can put you at risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL): ho …

In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation officially recognizing Mother's Day as a national holiday. Since then, Mother’s Day has become one of the major holidays in the USA, giving us a chance to honor the individuals in our lives who care for us. Some women will have the luxury of being pampered at home with entertainment and meals prepared for them by family members. Flowers, chocolates, jewelry are among the most popular gifts for Mothers. Flashy gifts are nice, but al …

Every year, approximately 30 million people in the United States are occupationally exposed to hazardous levels of noise according to OSHA. Since 2004, the Bureau of Labour Statistics has reported nearly 125,000 workers have suffered significant, permanent hearing loss. Surgery and hearing aids can only help with hearing loss, not correct it. OSHA's permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 90 dBA for all workers for an 8 hour day. For each additional 5 dBA, the exposure time is cut in half. NIOS …

The Moldex Battleplugs are a new type of reusable earplug. These patented, baffled hearing protection devices have two modes which provide completely different noise reduction ratings. A small hinge on the outside part of the earplug allows a cap to be either open or closed depending on the expected noise level. If the caps are closed, the Battleplugs have a noise reduction rating (NRR) of 24. In the open position, they have an NRR of 9. When the caps are open, the wearer is still pr …

For a ready-made, one-click solution to putting personal protective equipment on your employees, check out the PK Safety PPE Kit. Each kit arrives in a poly bag ready to pass out. Hearing protection, hand protection, eye protection, a hard hat, and a reflective safety vest are all included. Each piece of this safety kit meets OSHA safety standards. The Evolution 6121 hard hat is made of high-density polyethylene and has raised channels that run across the top. These ridges not only m …

Waste collection has always been a more injury-prone occupation than most. In both fatal and non-fatal accident categories, refuse collectors are at high risk. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows many of the fatal accidents being caused by transportation - either passing cars, other work vehicles, or their own refuse trucks. Slips, falls, and trips also occur with regularity, along with cuts and lacerations. Safety equipment is critical for these workers, and is most often supplied …

A friend recently nudged my shoulder and pointed out a mother and her baby who were in the stands with us at an Oakland A’s baseball game. He rolled his eyes. The baby was wearing earmuffs. "Our parents never did any of that stuff," he told me with a smug look. "And we came out just fine." He and his giant foam finger turned back to watch the game. Suddenly outfielder Yoenis Cespedes hit a towering home run to center field and we jumped up out of our seats and started shouting wi …

Noise levels will be high around the San Francisco Bay this weekend. Fleet Week is here and with it the loud, loud sound of six F/A-18 Hornets flying overhead at Mach 1. It's something you can feel through your whole body, but it's your ears that are in the greatest danger. Maximum decibel levels for spectators has been measured between 100 and 115dB, which is pretty darn high. While this level is still in the realm of the acceptable for short doses during fly-over, it is still incre …

Worn properly an earplug like the Howard Leight Max NRR 33 can be used in noise up to 110 dB(A).  110 dB is roughly equivalent to someone blowing a whistle a couple feet from your ear.  Aside from being extremely irritating, it’s very dangerous for your ear.  120dB is typically recognized as the pain threshold and the point where damage to your ear can happen very quickly. On their website, the Howard Leight company writes that the best earplug is the one that is worn …